Planning an estate requires more than deciding who will inherit your assets. For residents of New York, protecting your estate from potential creditors is a crucial step in ensuring that your hard-earned wealth reaches your intended beneficiaries. Creditors, lawsuits, and outstanding debts can significantly reduce the value of your estate if proper safeguards are not in place. Understanding the strategies available to protect your assets helps you plan effectively and ... [Read More]

Disputes over a loved one’s estate can be emotionally draining and financially costly. In New York, families facing disagreements over wills, trusts, or the distribution of assets do not always have to take their case to court. Mediation offers a way to resolve conflicts more efficiently while preserving relationships and avoiding lengthy legal battles. Understanding the role of mediation in estate disputes can help families choose a process that meets ... [Read More]

Many people want their legacy to go beyond just providing for family and friends. Including charitable giving in your estate plan allows you to support causes you care about and make a positive impact long after you are gone. For residents of New York, integrating philanthropy into your estate plan can be both fulfilling and financially smart. Incorporating charitable giving requires thoughtful consideration of your goals, your assets, and the ... [Read More]

When a person passes away without leaving a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. This situation triggers a specific set of laws called intestate succession laws. These laws determine how the deceased’s property and assets are distributed among surviving relatives. In New York, intestate succession follows a clear legal framework designed to provide an orderly transfer of property when no will exists. If you have lost a ... [Read More]

One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate plan is choosing who will handle your affairs after you pass away. This person, known as the executor, plays a central role in making sure your wishes are carried out and your estate is settled properly. In New York, the executor has specific legal duties, and not everyone is well-suited for the role. Choosing the right executor involves more ... [Read More]

Parents don’t like to think about not being there for their children. But planning for the possibility is one of the most responsible steps you can take. If you have minor children, your estate plan needs to include more than just a will. It should also name a guardian and set up a financial plan that protects your child’s future. In New York, two essential tools to help you do ... [Read More]

Giving to a cause you care about doesn’t have to wait until the end of your life. But if you want your charitable values to last beyond your lifetime, your estate plan is the place to make it happen. In New York, there are several ways to include philanthropy in your estate plan that are both meaningful and tax-efficient. Whether you want to support a local nonprofit, your alma mater, ... [Read More]

Creating a will is a smart and necessary step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are followed after you’re gone. But drafting a will isn’t a one-time task. Life moves forward. Families change. So do laws. If you haven’t looked at your will in several years, there’s a good chance it no longer reflects your current situation. In New York, estate planning laws and personal circumstances can ... [Read More]

When you’re responsible for a loved one with a disability, estate planning takes on a different level of importance. You want to be sure they’re cared for—financially and personally—without putting their government benefits at risk. In New York, one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating a special needs trust. A special needs trust is designed to manage resources for a person with disabilities while preserving ... [Read More]

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on physical assets—things like bank accounts, houses, or family heirlooms. But in today’s digital world, many of our most important records and interactions are stored online. From email and social media accounts to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored documents, digital assets have real value and should be part of a complete estate plan. Failing to plan for these assets can leave loved ones ... [Read More]